Fast Facts

Virginia’s Community Colleges: Opportunity Begins Here

A college education is essential for success in the 21st century.  For individuals, it is a credential necessary to access the jobs and opportunities that will lead to a better life.  For the commonwealth, and its communities, it is a precondition for competing and succeeding in the world-wide competition for talent and innovation.

With 23 colleges on 40 campuses located throughout the state, Virginia’s Community Colleges are committed to serving Virginia families, helping them acquire the knowledge and skills to seize the opportunities of today and tomorrow.  Here, you can see some of how we’re doing that by the numbers:

288,834 The number of students Virginia’s Community Colleges are serving annually in credit courses.
3 out of 5 The ratio of Virginia’s public undergraduate college students who are enrolled in Virginia’s Community Colleges.
18,400 The number of degrees, diplomas and certificates earned last year at Virginia’s Community Colleges.
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1/3rd The average tuition and fees at Virginia’s Community Colleges ($3,570 in 2011-12), compared to the same tuition and mandatory fees at Virginia’s public four-year institutions for in-state undergraduates ($9,534).
25,800

The number of high school juniors and seniors earning college credit while in high school through Virginia’s Community College dual enrollment courses.

The percentage of bachelor's degree recipients who have some community college experience.

The number of Virginia's Community Colleges are serving through noncredit workforce training and continuing education courses.

The ratio of students who take at least one course via distance learning technologies.